With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or greater. But even the most well- maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Bartlesville, we are aware that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over its life span through less expensive cooling bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what we suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could work longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the result of skipping tune-ups. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to suffer a big malfunction. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and cooling expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost may be lower or higher.
There are several details that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Farris Heating & Air so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s too little will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your utility bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less cool.
At Farris Heating & Air, our pros have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how spacious your house is, along with a couple other factors. Some of the most standard sizes include:
- 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
- 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
- 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
- 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet
Other things that can influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Bartlesville
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows can be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy mandates. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
- ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
- Higher SEER-rated air conditioners include more features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it could be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over time might help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Farris Heating & Air Today
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you go with. Farris Heating & Air is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Bartlesville. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your home to discussing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 918-333-0376 to get started now!